Book Your Own Flight

Book your flight on your own. Keep your eye on rates, pick the schedule you desire and pay when you’re ready. Use frequent flyer miles or discounts you may have earned in the past. Remember to double-check your itinerary before purchasing a flight to make sure you have the correct arrival and departure airports, as many of our tours require an arrival into Dublin and departure from Shannon. Most flights to Ireland require overnight travel, departing the night before your scheduled tour start date.

Visit these helpful links to get started with booking your own ticket:

Aer Lingus

Continental Airlines

US Airways

Expedia

Travelocity

Kayak

Cheap Tickets

Leave it up to Tenon Tours!

All flights purchased through Tenon Tours require full payment at the time of confirmation and incur a ticketing fee. Your rate will be quoted at current online prices. Rates are not locked in until payment has been received in full and all travelers' passenger forms have been received. All flights, unless otherwise informed, will be e-ticketed, requiring only a voucher to be printed prior to departure. This e-ticket will be issued approximately one week prior to travel.

Which airports do I need to arrive and depart from? Does my flight need to arrive or depart at any specific time?

Overnight flights must depart the day before you are scheduled to start your tour in Ireland.

Arrivals and departures do NOT have to be scheduled for any specific time. Tenon Tours will arrange your transfer no matter when you land or take off.

Do I need a passport?

Yes! All US citizens must have a passport that remains valid for the duration of their trip. All non-US citizens must check with their local consulate for documentation requirements. If you do not have a passport, one may be obtained through your local post office. Names used to book travel must be the same as they appear on passports (first and last names only). You may want to make a copy of your passport and leave it at home with a friend of family.

Do I need a Visa?

Travelers from the European Union, the US and Canada do not need a visa to enter Ireland. More information can be found here, http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1145.html

When should I arrive at the airport?

Plan to arrive two to three hours prior to your scheduled departure time to allow for any unexpected delays in traffic, check-in or security.

What is the currency in Ireland?

The local currency in Ireland is the Euro (€). Current exchange rates can be found at www.xe.com.

When should I exchange my US dollars?

We recommend exchanging around $100 before you leave if you would like to have cash upon arrival. You can then withdraw money from local ATMs in Ireland as needed or makes purchases with a credit card. Note, however, that acceptance of credit cards varies throughout the country. Be advised, too, that many banks charge an “International Transaction Fee” for every purchase made via credit card. ATMs will give you the best rate for cash exchange. You may also exchange money at your hotel(s). We do not advise exchanging at airports, where rates are often less favorable.

IMPORTANT: Many banks will freeze your debit/credit card if after the first few transactions to protect against fraudulent use unless you advise them of your travel dates. It is extremely important that you call your issuing bank for all debit/credit cards(s) pre-departure to ensure that you will be able to withdraw funds and use your card overseas.

Will somebody pick me up at the airport upon arrival?

There will not be a representative at the airport upon your arrival. Please follow the directions on your transfer voucher(s) and/or travel documents in order to locate your transportation company.

Will someone from Tenon Tours stay with us for the duration of our trip?

The total number of travelers in your group will determine if there will be a host available or meet-and- greets arranged throughout your trip with a local representative. Note that tour hosts are not a licensed tour guides, but are available to assist with things such as check-ins, transfers, optional tours and events, as well as any emergency situations that may arise. In the event that there is not a full-time host, you will be provided with contact names and numbers in the event of an emergency.

How will I get to the airport for my return flight home?

Airport transfers have been arranged by Tenon Tours and you will be notified of the departure time on your transfer voucher.

When will I be able to check-in to my hotel/hostel room in each city/town?

Typically check-in is 3:00 pm although many hotels will allow you to check-in earlier once rooms have been cleaned and inspected. Luggage can be stored in a secure area for early arrivals.

What type of beds and room configuration should I expect in the hotels?

A “double room” is designed to accommodate two people and will have either one double, queen or king size bed, or two single or double beds depending on whether you are traveling as a couple or as individuals. At times there may be one double bed and one single bed. Triple rooms typically have two double beds or a double and two singles. We cannot guarantee three separate beds for rooms of three.

What type of beds and room configuration should I expect in the hostels?

Hostel accommodations can vary among differently sized rooms. Your room could house up to six beds (unless you have paid to upgrade to a smaller room). Bedding can consist of twin, full or bunk beds.

Do the hotels have hairdryers?

Most hotels have modern accessories although specific offerings vary by hotel. We recommend you check the hotel's website for details pertaining to complimentary and optional inclusions and services.

What is the electrical current/voltage in Ireland? Do I need a converter?

Unlike the US and most European countries, Ireland’s electrical current is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles A/C and works off a flat three-pin plug. An adapter is necessary and can be found in most duty-free shops in the airport, Brookstones, Bed Bath & Beyond or at most hardware stores or pharmacies.

Is there Internet access available?

Yes. Nearly all hotels offer Internet access in their lobbies and wireless access throughout. There are also Internet cafés scattered throughout the major cities/towns. There is normally a fee for using the internet at public terminals.

What meals are included?

A full Irish breakfast (hotels) or light breakfast (hostels) is included at daily at your hotel/hostel (unless otherwise noted). Please check with each specific hotel or hostel for their serving times (most end by 10:00 am). All other meals at your leisure to give you maximum flexibility in terms of your time and budget.

Where should we eat?

We suggest checking with the front desk at the hotel or asking locals for recommendations based on what you’d like to eat and how much you want to spend. Ireland is a very friendly country and most people are glad to help visitors.

How much money should I bring for my trip?

It varies greatly from one person to another, but we recommend budgeting $100 per day to allow for lunch, dinner, drinks, gratuities and other expenses. For food, lunches can range from 10 to 20 euros, and dinner between 15 and 30 euros, not including drinks. You can also find fast food in the range of 4 to 10 euros.

Are you supposed to tip in Ireland?

Food/Drinks: Some restaurants will include a service charge in the bill. If the service charge is not included it is customary to leave between 10-15% depending on how you value the food and service. Generally people do not tip in pubs when only purchasing drinks but do tip when purchasing food.

Transportation: No tipping is required for drivers of public transfers. If your tour includes private transfers or a tour guide (such as on our optional tours) it is customary to tip between €2 to €5 per person based on the service and information provided by your driver.

What type of transportation will we use while traveling in Ireland?

Transportation will vary depending on group size, ranging from scheduled service coach transfers to private luxury motor-coaches. While we don’t retain a single vehicle for the duration of your trip, we do work with several local transportation and tour suppliers to ensure comfortable, hassle-free transfers and sightseeing excursions.

Will I have free time or will I have to stay with the group the entire time?

The foundation of our tour is the flexibility that is built into it. Other than the transfers from town-to-town, it’s your vacation to spend as you please.

What is the weather like in Ireland?

Ireland has a mild, temperate climate which produces temperatures in the high 70s during the summer months and the low 40s in the winter. Spring and autumn temperatures usually hover around 50 degrees (F). Rain is very common and tends to appear unexpectedly so make sure to plan accordingly. However, we have found that it never rains in the pub… or so the saying goes.

What type of clothing should I pack?

The dress is extremely casual in Ireland. We recommend packing as you would for a weekend away in the states. You can never go wrong with a general mix of casual and comfortable, as well as some dressier attire if you’re one to frequent nicer establishments. However, a light rain-resistant jacket and small travel umbrella are must-haves!

How many suitcases am I allowed to bring?

If you’ve read or watched the news lately, you may have seen that individual airlines are modifying their age-old baggage allowances. In most cases you are allowed one piece of checked luggage and one carry on free of charge, although some airlines have now begun charging for the first checked bag. It's best to check with your airline for specifics regarding size, weight and the number of items allowed.

What is the time difference in Ireland?

There is a five-hour time difference between Ireland and EST. 12:00 pm in New York is 5:00 pm in Ireland.

What is VAT and how do I get it refunded?

In Ireland almost all consumer products are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). VAT is a "hidden tax" — already added into the purchase price of any souvenirs bought on a visit (there are two notable exceptions in Ireland: no VAT on books and no VAT on children's clothing and footwear). Americans are entitled to a refund of VAT paid. In order to get this refund you must get a VAT-refund form at the time of purchase from each store in which you shop. This is very important. Unlike business travelers, leisure travelers aren't entitled to refunds on the tax they spend on hotels, transportation and meals.

How do I make phone calls while on my trip? Will my cell phone work?

Most likely, your cell phone will not work in Ireland. Only digital phones with GSM capabilities and an international roaming agreement will work and, even then, it could be hit-or-miss and/or expensive depending on your plan. Tenon Tours offers customers mobile phones rentals at discounted rates. Should you choose to rent with us, we will ship your phone to your home prior to departure. All of the information needed will come with the phone, including instructions on how to load it for credit and rates for calls.

Your travel insurance is based on the the price of your trip and the ages of the people in your party. The best coverage (including pre-existing conditions) will be available when you pay for your insurance in full within 15 days of booking travel. Land insurance coverage will be automatically added to your Tenon invoice unless you opt out when booking.